“There’s only one you:” Birren backs himself ahead of Bluesfest

FINGAL Head musician Birren will take to the Bluesfest stage after earning his place on the lineup by winning last year’s festival busking competition.

The Gudjinburra artist blends roots reggae with R&B influences shaped by the coast he calls home.

“From the mountains, rainforest, and creeks to the rivers and the ocean, there is so much inspiration in the landscape around here,” Birren said.

“They all make up a part of who I am, and I know it comes out in my music.”

Birren’s journey has taken him from performing outside his local general store to playing at the MCG during last year’s AFL Dreamtime round.

He said his connection to music has not changed since those early days.

“It was there that I found how much I loved performing and the way in which people respond to my music,” he said.

A member of a Gudjinburra Bundjalung family, Birren weaves local language and culture into his performances.

“I want to revolutionise positive attitudes in people, the same way Bob Marley did with his ‘One Love’ philosophy,” he said.

Growing up in a home where vinyl was always playing, Birren was influenced by artists including Bob Marley, Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.

More recently, he has drawn inspiration from L.A.B, Xavier Rudd and Amos Lee.

“I was always listening to musicians like Bob Marley, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding but lately I’ve been drawing inspiration from artists like L.A.B, Xavier Rudd and Amos Lee,” he said.

His 2024 single Back to My Roots reflects his focus on staying connected to family and community while building a career in music.

“That song is all about staying humble and connected to those closest to me,” he said.

Another track, Greenshack, draws on his connection to the ocean.

The title references surfer slang for getting “barrelled”.

Music and ocean life have long run alongside each other for Birren, who comes from a family of fishermen and surfers.

“The ocean can be calm one day and rough the next,” he said.

“I find it’s the same with my music.”

Birren said his goal is to create music that brings joy while encouraging respect for people and the natural world.

“I want to create music that brings joy to people while encouraging respect for one another and the natural world,” he said.

He also hopes his journey encourages young Indigenous artists.

“I want them to see that you can do whatever you put your mind to,” he said.

Birren will perform at Bluesfest on April 5.